Dartsdatabase

Lawrence Lustig/PDC

12:00 pm, November 19, 2017

VIDEO – ‘I don’t want to give him a finger because he takes your hand’ – Michael van Gerwen on semi-final with Taylor

Michael van Gerwen was pushed all the way by newcomer Rob Cross with ‘Voltage’ pushing him all the way to 22 legs. He ended up winning 16-13 in a thrilling clash between two of the best players right now and now he plays Phil Taylor who seems to be a bogey player for Mighty Mike and he spoke about the win but not only that but Taylor and how he needs to handle the pressure.

“I’m really happy with this win,” said Van Gerwen, who averaged over 104 and hit 11 maximums. “I played really well at the beginning of the game and I think he also played a phenomenal game.

“I can do better and I will need to tomorrow. I don’t want to let myself down and tomorrow is going to be a big game and I want to beat Phil. It’s one of the last chances and I want to take it with two hands.

“Phil doesn’t have anything to lose. I’m the favourite and I have to do it, but I know I can handle the pressure and I’ve handled it for the last three years so why not now.

“He’s the greatest who ever played and I’ve got a lot of respect for that man, but not tomorrow. I want to perform well – I don’t want to give him a finger because he takes your hand.”

Michael van Gerwen is all too aware that he has a target on his back in Wolverhampton…